On 25 May 2011, Mr. Kasit Piromya, Minister of Foreign Affairs, attended the opening ceremony of the 16th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Ministerial Conference, presided over by H.E. Mr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, the President of the Republic of Indonesia, with Mr. Nabil Al-Arby, Egypt’s Foreign Minister and Chair of NAM at the Ministerial level and Dr. R.M. Marty M. Natalegawa, Indonesia’s Foreign Minister, co-chairing the Ministerial Conference.
Most noteworthy is that 2011 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of NAM. Although half a century has passed, the values and principles of NAM, be they adherence to the principles of democracy and human rights, resolution of problems through peaceful means, non-interference in the internal affairs of others, and utilizing NAM as a forum for the coordination of the views of developing countries in the United Nations, are all still very much relevant today.
Today, NAM is the largest grouping of countries, with 61% of all members of the United Nations. From the initial 5 founding members in 1961, the present-day membership stands at 120 countries, with Azerbaijan and Fiji joining as new members at today’s meeting.
Yet, the world today and NAM’s next 50 years is full of challenges, ranging from reform of the international system, climate change, lack of resources, transnational crime, nuclear proliferation, problems at both global and regional levels and many more. In this context, NAM needs to look forward, set its vision and commit to making a net contribution to global issues.
For further information, please contact the Press Division, Department of Information, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tel.02-6435170, Fax.02-6435169, E-mail: div0704@mfa.go.th